A bumpy road leading to the Region XIII and Minnesota State tournament has leveled off for the Riverland Community College men's golf team, who lead 12 teams heading into today's final 18 holes at the Mankato Country Club.

The Blue Devils battled their own consistency in the final weeks heading into Monday's opening round of the state and region tournament but put their struggles behind them by shooting a 320 amd 30-mile-per-hour winds and temperatures spiking in the 80s.

"We're very excited to be in first place after 18 holes, and we're looking forward to tomorrow," said Riverland coach David Lillemon.

Riverland sophomore Jeff Clark is the overall tournament leader after the first day, shooting a 2-over-par 74. Only 11 players shot better than 80 in strong wings blowing out of the south. Teammate Brett Wuerflein was one of the 11, carding a 79 through the opening round.

Joe Hewitt contributed another steady round of 81, and Grady Rider's 86 rounded out the first day of play. Andrew Routh's 87 did not count towards Riverland's team score of 320, which leads defending region and state champion Central Lakes by two strokes.

The winning team and top 10 individuals earn the right to play in the National Junior College Division III National Tournament in Chautauqua, N.Y., in June of 2003. Clark, who qualified for last year's national tournament as an alternate, finished sixth at nationals.

The Blue Devils trailed Central Lakes by three strokes entering last year's final 18 and finished 12 strokes off the pace. Central Lakes went on to represent the region with a fourth-place finish.

Heather Selmecki represented Riverland in the women's competition, shooting a 126.

The final 18 holes for the tournament began this morning at 8:45 a.m.